Aljancic back at rudder

IIHF council member returns as president of Slovenian hockey

LJUBLJANA – Ernest Aljancic is back as president of the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association. The 64-year old was elected on March 23.
The election comes after a period of turbulence in Slovenian ice hockey and the delegates put their vote on a man with a proven track record. Aljancic took over the reigns at the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association in 1998, when the national team played on the IIHF’s division II championship level.
Under his leadership, Slovenia advanced all the way to the Top-16 elite division in 2002. Since then the Balkan nation has been in the top division on five occasions, but they were relegated last year after finishing 15th at the 2008 World Championship in Canada.
Aljancic left the position in 2006 as he also became honorary president, but two years later, supported by the four biggest clubs, Aljancic has been called back to duty as the association faces major financial difficulties.
Aljancic said after the election that he will give it one year to improve the economic situation and after he will leave the leadership to a younger force. He has been IIHF Council Member since 2003.